How to get a handicap parking permit in New York (NY)

New York handicapped parking sign

Eligibility
How to obtain a permit
Fee
Validity / expiration of permits
Renewals
Lost, stolen, or damaged placards
Where to hang the placard

Applicants must live in New York to be eligible for a permanent parking permit but do not need to be a licensed driver or own a vehicle. They must also provide proof of a qualifying disability, defined as one or more of the following impairments, disabilities or conditions that are both permanent in nature and affect mobility:

• use of portable oxygen;
• legal blindness;
• limited use, or no use, of one or both legs;
• inability to walk 200 feet without stopping;
• a neuromuscular dysfunction that severely limits mobility;
• a Class III or IV cardiac condition (American Heart Association standards);
• severe  limitation in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition;
• restriction because of lung disease to such an extent that forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for 1 second, when measured by spirometry, is less than 1 liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg of room air at rest; or
• any other physical or mental impairment not previously listed which constitutes an equal degree of disability, and imposes unusual hardship in the use of public transportation and prevents the person from getting around without great difficulty.

A state facility or agency licensed by the state or locality may also receive a parking permit for vehicles primarily used to transport people with qualifying disabilities.

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not issue handicapped parking permits. Applicants must contact the city, town, or village clerk to find out which local agency issues the permits.

Generally, the agencies follow the same guidelines for issuing the permit as the DMV does for disability license plates, but there may be some differences. Most accept Form MV-664.1, which is available at any DMV, DMV call center, or online.

However, some localities have their own application form, and not all localities issue temporary permits. Contact the local issuing agent for specific information on how to obtain a permit.

Regardless of the form, all applicants must present proof of disability, which can be shown in one of two ways:

1. Have a medical doctor, osteopath, optometrist, or podiatrist complete Part II (Medical Certification) of Form MV-664-1. Podiatrists must be licensed in New York; they can certify applicants only for severe disabilities of the foot; or
2. Obtain a statement from a doctor certifying the applicant’s qualifying disability. The statement must be less than a year old, describe the condition and how it limits mobility, be on the doctor’s letterhead, and include the doctor’s professional license number and signature. If the doctor practices outside of New York , the statement must identify his or her licensing state.

A similar statement is also acceptable from

•  a hospital, clinic. or medical facility;
• the NYS Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in the NYS Department of Education; or
• the NYS Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped in the Office of Children and Family Services (for verification of legal blindness).

Applicants with an obvious, visible, permanent disability, such as the complete or partial loss of a leg or foot, may have the requirement for a medical statement waived by the local issuing agent.

To apply for a temporary permit, applicants must present the same proof of disability as required for a permanent permit. The temporary permit will allow the same access to reserved parking spaces.

Parking permits for disabled persons are issued free of charge.

Temporary placards are valid for up to 6 months. If it is nearing expiration and the applicant still has a qualifying disability, he or she must obtain a new medical certification before applying for another parking permit.

Because issuance regulations vary by locality, applicants will need to contact the local issuing agent to determine renewal procedures.

Because issuance regulations vary by locality, applicants will need to contact the local issuing agent to determine procedures for replacing lost, stolen, or damaged permits.

The permit is designed to hang from the rear view mirror when parked but should be removed when the vehicle is being operated.

Source URL

Information from NY-DMV About Parking Permits
Application for a Disabled Parking Permit

Things You’ll Need
	Applicable Fee: No charge
	Computer with Internet Access: Favorable but not mandatory
	Physician Certificate: Physician to certify disability in the application form
	If the applicant has an obvious, visible, permanent disability, such as the complete or partial loss of a leg or foot,
	Mail Original Documents: Original application form to be submitted by mail